Aluminium fenestration solutions from Senior Architectural Systems have helped create a warm and welcoming accommodation scheme for the students of Arts University Bournemouth.
Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors have been installed alongside the thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, with the scheme achieving a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating.
Working alongside supply chain partners Morgan Sindall, Design Engine Architects and fabricators Soundcraft, the project also features Senior’s thermally-broken SPW500 aluminium commercial doors and SPW600 aluminium windows. For additional safety and security, Senior’s barrier load tested Louvre Guard System has been fitted to all bedroom and kitchen windows.
The project is the latest to benefit from Senior’s extensive experience of working in the student accommodation sector and continues the company’s successful collaboration with key client Morgan Sindall. Value engineering and sustainability has been a key part of the design of the development which comprises three separate buildings spread across 11 blocks of three and four storeys. The accommodation is set around a landscaped courtyard, with the attractive feature corner windows providing far-reaching views of the surrounding area.
Combining stylish slim sightlines with highly durable aluminium and exceptional thermal-performance Senior’s comprehensive range of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling have been used extensively throughout the education and commercial residential sectors. The patented PURe® aluminium system is particularly well suited for schemes where sustainability and efficiency are key priorities, with the range offering some of the lowest U-values available to the UK market. Benefitting from an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR), a material traditionally used in insulation products, the PURe® system has the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71w/m2k when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window, and 0.93W/m2 K when calculated as a CEN standard door. Fully recyclable, the PUR thermal barrier can also be re-used as fillers for other products, with no requirement for landfill.
As well as helping to contribute to lower energy bills for the student residents, thanks to the inherent strength of the aluminium frame, the system also offers a cost-effective alternative to using energy efficient triple-glazing which, when used in high-traffic environments such as schools and student accommodation buildings, has a greater risk of breaking and would be more expensive to replace.